Photos from the June 1st, 2023 First Day of Pool!
On Thursday, June 1, the Garretson Community Pool opened for the summer, an exciting time for area youth, especially as the weather heated up early this year. The facility was packed as patrons came to cool off.
Vernon Bergin, 98, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Garretson, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023 followed by a Liturgical Wake Service and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. A light lunch will be served after Mass with interment to follow at the Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Memorials may be directed to St. Rose of Lima Parish in Garretson.
Vernon Bergin, son of John and Margaret (Bresnahan) Bergin was born May 31, 1925, in Sherman, South Dakota. Vernon lived in Lanesboro, Minnesota with his grandparents to help on the farm until moving back to Sherman. Vernon met Stella Svaren at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls and was married to Stella on September 4, 1954, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The wedding was a double wedding with Harvey and Eunice Quamen. The couples remained lifelong friends.
Vernon grew up in the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Garretson and was a longtime member at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. He continued to work the land his family had owned with his brother, Ed, and also worked for Northern States Power. Vernon was a self-made man with a great work ethic. His early upbringing on the farm taught him valuable skills that he used to fix nearly anything and he had a green thumb that extended from gardens to flower beds.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Margie (Tom) Lynch of Spirit Lake, IA and David (Liz Spivey) Bergin of Yankton, SD; sister, Catherine McCulloch of Sedona, AZ; seven grandchildren, Rosia Bergin, Nicole (Thomas) Argubright, Michael Bergin, Kyle Bitterman, Kathleen Bergin, Jessica Bergin, and Kayla Bergin; 25 great grandchildren; and a host of additional family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret; wife, Stella; daughter, Jodie Bergin; siblings, LeRoy (Margaret) Bergin, Joyce (Jerry) Zwartz, Veronica (Merle) Herrman; Gertrude (Otis) Benson, Edward (Norma) Bergin, and Joy (Bob) Page.
Marvin LeRoy Stoterau
June 13, 1940 ~ June 1, 2023
Marvin LeRoy Stoterau, 82, of Sioux Falls, SD, died on June 1, 2023, at his home.
Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service at 7pm.
Marvin LeRoy Stoterau was born on June 13, 1940 to Leroy and Evelyn (Hoffelman) Stoterau in Luverne, MN. He married Carol Underberg in 1977. To this union, four children were born.
Marv loved to fish and hunt. He was the Vice President of the 29-90 Sportsman’s Club. His goal was to keep the land for hunting for his grandkids.
During high school, he worked at his grandpa’s farm. He farmed for six years in Sinai, SD. He loved his milk cows. Marv enlisted and served in the SD Air National Guard for six years. Marv also worked for Fenn’s Dairy as a delivery driver, worked for Wonder Bread, Old Home Bread, and John Morrell’s. He mowed for Westward Ho for several years and spent time managing three mobile home parks.
Marv loved his four-wheeler trips to the Black Hills and the Big Horns. He often had coffee with his friends and fishing buddies. He was a wonderful, kind hearted man with a heart of gold. He was always there to help.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol; four children, Robin (Gary) Haroldsen, Sioux Falls, Kevin (Dawn) Stoterau, Tea, Brian Payfer, Brandon, and Mike (Nicole) Stoterau, Garretson; eleven grandchildren, Roth, Ryan, Hayden, Justin, Bryce, Isaac, Whisper, Zach, Lincoln, Weston and Jessica; and one great grandchild, Braxton.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Evelyn Stoterau; daughter-in-law, Cristy Payfer; one sister; one infant grandchild, Gary.
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved a settlement stipulation lowering Xcel Energy’s requested increase to the company’s electric service rates. The action was at the PUC’s regular commission meeting today, June 6, 2023, and affects Xcel Energy customers in its South Dakota retail service territory.
The approved electric rate represents an increase that is approximately 67.5% lower than the company originally requested. This was achieved through negotiations that led to a settlement agreement on all issues between PUC staff and Xcel Energy. In its original filing, the company requested a rate increase to generate an additional $44.1 million in annual revenues. The approved rates will allow an estimated overall revenue increase of just under $14.4 million. A typical residential electric customer using 750 kWh per month will see an average bill increase of approximately $4.67 per month.
“The PUC team is a watchdog on behalf of South Dakota consumers, while ensuring state law is followed and applied through the process of setting just and reasonable utility rates. The result of the PUC's thorough investigation into Xcel Energy’s request is this settlement that reflects South Dakota principles, fairness and consumer protection,” said Chairperson Kristie Fiegen. “As I considered the request, I focused on how Xcel can provide reliable service to meet the needs of its customers in our state, while respecting South Dakota, not Minnesota, values. Moreover, the agreement struck a strong chord with me by settling on a rate increase that is substantially lower than what the company originally requested,” she continued.
The approved settlement agreement includes terms that balance the interests of Xcel Energy and the approximately 97,500 South Dakota customers they serve. The settlement includes a plan to refund a portion of the interim rates, implemented in January, to customers with interest. It also allows for the recovery of numerous projects and costs Xcel has incurred to provide safe, adequate and reliable service to customers in the state and provides customers with benefits from certain credits available to Xcel, like production tax credits related to wind and nuclear generation.
PUC Vice Chairman Gary Hanson commented: “Rate dockets are extremely complex and require significant research. PUC staff accomplished a bit of magic in reducing the cost to consumers and was able to reach an agreement with Xcel that is nearly $30 million below what was originally requested. An individual with utility regulatory experience obtained party status, participated in the docket and in the end, approved of the settlement reached. His independent analysis confirms the due diligence and exceptional investigation accomplished by the PUC staff members.”
As part of the settlement, the company also agreed to a moratorium on additional base rate increases that will prevent Xcel from requesting an increase in base rates that would be effective prior to Jan. 1, 2026. This moratorium will help ensure base rate stability to customers over the next few years and encourages Xcel Energy to make prudent decisions in the operation of the company. In exchange for agreeing to a moratorium, PUC staff agreed to a continuance of the company’s Infrastructure Rider, which allows for the recovery of specific capital additions with an opportunity to request inclusion of additional projects annually. Together, those components reduce frequent base rate filings and reduce rate case expenses that would likely be passed onto customers.
This action by the PUC came after a nearly year-long review and in-depth analysis of Xcel’s request by PUC staff that included 13 sets of formal discovery requests containing nearly 350 total individual discovery requests and over 130 sub-parts, along with numerous informal requests, phone calls and meetings to clarify and seek additional information, and several settlement negotiation sessions.
“I give great credit to the staff of the PUC who over the last 11 months has painstakingly reviewed the fine details of the large rate increase request and pared it back to only what is required to be increased by law. Their attention to the needs of Xcel customers while providing the utility with just and reasonable rates is highly commendable. In particular, this settlement rejects a request from Xcel to increase rates while compromising reliability through the premature closure of baseload dispatchable generation sources,” stated Commissioner Chris Nelson.
Xcel Energy submitted its application to the PUC on June 30, 2022. Due to the public interest in this docket, the PUC held a public input meeting in Sioux Falls in November 2022. Interim rates were implemented in January 2023, as allowed by state law. The company cited significant investments in infrastructure, including new wind generation, technology, and distribution investments, along with nuclear decommissioning funding and other cost pressures, as the basis for requiring increased rates. Xcel Energy’s most recent base rate increase was approved by the PUC in June of 2015 – also at a lower rate than was requested by the company.
The full docket can be viewed on the PUC’s website at puc.sd.gov, Commission Actions, Electric Dockets, 2022 Electric Dockets, EL22-017 - In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company dba Xcel Energy for Authority to Increase its Electric Rates.
Written and Submitted By: Brooklyn Trudeau, Chapter Reporter
The Garretson FFA held a Bike Safety Course for children in Pre-K through 5th grade on Thursday, June 1st, 2023, where participants were able to learn about safety rules and cautions while riding a bike. There were 35 participants, ranging from the ages of three to nine years old. Participants were split into two groups, one started out in the classroom learning all the rules of the road while the other group got their bikes inspected to ensure they were safe and rode through the course practicing the knowledge they already knew and learned. The presentation consisted of the kids learning about the different safety precautions that they needed to be aware of before riding their bike on a road. During the presentation the kids followed along with an activity packet they were each given at the beginning. Outside, each participant’s bike was inspected to ensure it was safe to ride. The last part of the event, FFA members set up 4 different courses outside in the school parking lot for the kids to complete while riding their bike. The courses consisted of the kids riding around cones, stopping and checking their surroundings, and giving hand signals when turning right or left and stopping. Each participant received their very own “Official Bicycle License” showcasing that they each learned and promised to follow traffic laws and wear a helmet to demonstrate safe bike practices through the Garretson FFA Bike Safety Program. The Garretson FFA takes pride in taking the opportunity to help kids learn about the safety of riding their bikes and pushing towards a safer riding environment within our community.
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Quite possibly one of the most famous things to happen in Garretson, South Dakota, was a meeting of the outlaw Jesse James and a ravine named Devil's Gulch. According to Garretson lore, Jesse evaded capture just outside of town by spurring his horse to leap the ravine -- a feat that everyone agrees is nearly impossible. However, locals claim the impossibility only makes its reality more wonderful.
On June 15 at 6:30 the Minnehaha County Historical Society (MCHS) will be hosting its annual Ice Cream/Pie Social at Split Rock Park in Garretson. The featured speaker will be Bruce Rekstad who will present The History of Devil’s Gulch and Split Rock Park. Bruce teaches Native American Studies at Washington High School in Sioux Falls.
Says MCHS Board President, Rick Lingberg, “The Garretson area is a history-rich part of Minnehaha County and Devil’s Gulch and Split Rock Park are a great location for our annual summer social.” Lingberg went on to add, “MCHS has nearly 250 historical markers throughout Minnehaha County, 4 or 5 alone in the Garretson area.”
Ice Cream, toppings and pie will be provided by MCHS. The Social is open to the public.
Garretson, SD – Garretson Fire Department and Community Blood Bank will host an All American community blood drive Saturday, June 17 at the Fire Station (613 3rd St., Garretson) between 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public will have an opportunity to donate blood to help local patients in need. Donors can schedule an appointment by logging onto www.cbblifeblood.org, selecting “events”, June 17th and Garretson Fire Department or call 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. All who donate receives a McDonald’s gift card and an All American blood donor t-shirt, as a thank you.
“Moving into summer, we begin to think about traveling on road and water ways. With heavier traffic on our lakes and roads, accidents happen. We are looking for donors to consider donating blood to strengthen the local blood supply, and prepare for the unexpected. Life can be provided with a simple donation of blood. One donation, only takes 30 minutes, and will help up to three local patients,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “Among those who benefit from donating blood are trauma, burn victims, cancer patients, and persons undergoing surgery. Celebrate summer, by providing hope to family, friends, and community members by donating blood with us on June 17. A person can donate blood every 56 days and over 60% of the population is eligible to donate.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an I.D. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. For more information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call Community Blood Bank at (605) 331-3222. Community Blood Banks is a nonprofit, cooperative of Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital and sole blood provider to all Sioux Falls Hospitals. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.
My colleagues and I have started our budget hearings to establish a 2024 budget. The County Commission must pass a preliminary budget by July 30 with a final budget adopted by October 1. As a new commissioner, I have been impressed with the work that all county leaders have done to keep their expenses in line with limited revenues. I am also pleased that we are taking a broader outlook than just 2024 and looking out 5-10 years to plan for future challenges.
The county budget “fiscal year” follows the calendar, starting January 1 and ending December 31. The initial budgeting begins as outside agencies that provide key services to the county present to the commission on their organization, its work, and where that work fits within the environment of Minnehaha County. County departments also present to the commission, providing updates on key goals and objectives used to accomplish their goals in the previous budget year and what the department’s goals are for the upcoming fiscal year. These presentations are crucial for both the commissioners and the public, giving each department time to show the added value they provide to our community through their work.
Late spring and early summer is when the hard financial work begins. Departments are tasked with submitting their budgets, equipment requests, staff requests, and long-range plans. Balancing the needs of each department with the overall availability of revenue is difficult. Counties can only increase their property tax revenue by 3 percent or the consumer price index (whichever is less). Over the past few years, the consumer price index has far exceeded three percent, which means that while our expenses have increased, the county’s ability to raise revenue equal to those expenses has not been able to keep up. This restriction means that the Commission must take care to encourage innovative methods for increasing efficiency and effectiveness, while not increasing costs beyond our means.
Since 2017, public safety (law enforcement, courts, and legal) has averaged 67% of the total general fund expense budget. As our county continues to grow the County is responsible for making sure that our high-standard of public safety is maintained. Counties are unique in that what we choose to spend money on is not really our choice. The State of South Dakota requires counties to provide a number of functions to our citizens. These requirements make up 88 percent of the 2023 budget. With limited revenue potential, unfunded mandated expenses, and a commitment to maintaining our excellent quality of life, the budget process takes center stage for Commissioners as we work to keep Minnehaha County a wonderful place to live and work.
We will watch the state legislature’s summer study related to County finances closely to see if the state can ease any county burdens or otherwise help with property tax relief. We will responsibly wind down our use of federal funding that came in during the pandemic to manage the county’s role without major cuts in services or rapid spikes in property taxes. To govern is to choose, and all choices involve various tradeoffs. There are no perfect answers, but trust that my colleagues and I take seriously our role as fiscal stewards for Minnehaha County.
by Carrie Moritz
In a strong double header against the Hawks last Tuesday, May 30, the Garretson 14U baseball team showed opponents their prowess with the ball. They took home the wins with scores of 9-2 and 15-0.
Garretson started off the game with a point scored by Carter Siemonsma thanks to a grounder by Collin Olson at the top of the first inning. While the second inning was unsuccessful, the top of the third saw Caiden Maack double on a fly ball to left field, allowing Dylan Waltman to score. Garretson scored three more times that inning, making the score 4-2.
At the top of the fourth, Waltman hit a double, then successfully stole third base and touched home plate on a single by Siemonsma. Siemsonsma found home shortly after Waltman thanks to a wild pitch by the Hawks and a single by Maack, bringing the score to 7-2. Not to be left out, Maack again crossed home plate when Isaac Stoterau doubled on a fly to left field.
Pitcher Collin Olson had the mound for all five innings of the first game, allowing 7 hits and striking out 8.
Siemonsma, Maack, Olson, Stoterau, and Waltman each got at least one hit for the team in blue. Maack, Olson, and Stoterau had runs batted in, while Maack, Siemonsma, and Olson each successfully stole bases.
The second game of the night was done in three innings, as the Garretson team showed the Hawks who had the upper hand and finished 15-0. The high-scoring game saw Garretson gather 5 points in the first, 6 in the second, and 4 points in the third inning.
Garretson got the game started at the bottom of the first, when Maack scored on a single by Stoterau. They quickly picked up two more points when Aiden Johnson singled, allowing Elijah Winterton and Stoterau to cross home plate. The next play saw Jacoby Costello single on a grounder to the shortstop, allowing Isaiah Coburn to score. Not to be outdone, Johnson later scored on a balk by the Hawks pitcher, bringing the score to 5-0 at the end of the first inning. The second and third innings were much the same, with Garretson running roughshod over the Hawks' defense.
Siemonsma, Maack, Olson, Stoterau, Coburn, Johnson, Costello, Lucas Schotzko, and Wyatt Potter all successfully hit the ball from the Hawks pitchers, who allowed 17 hits over the three innings. Siemonsma, Maack, Costello, and Stoterau each successfully stole two bases, and Coburn, Potter, and Elijah Winterton each stole one.
Toeing the mound for Garretson was Stoterau, who struck out seven and allowed three hits over the course of the game.
Continuing their streak, the Garretson team traveled to Volga on Friday, June 2 and took home the win again, 19-13.
Things looked bleak as Volga took the lead through the first three innings, keeping Garretson from scoring any points. That turned around at the top of the 4th when Coburn grounded, allowing Maack to cross home plate. A fly ball by Drew Chester sent both Olson and Stoterau over the plate in the next play, bringing the score to 3-4.
Volga seemed as though it would keep the lead as it widened the gap at the bottom of the fourth, scoring three more points.
Not to be outdone, Garretson went on the offensive in the fifth inning, gathering four more points and keeping Volga from scoring further, tying the game up at 7-7. They did nearly the same in the sixth inning with five more points while keeping Volga to only one more. The run allowed Garretson to grab the lead, 12-8.
At the top of the 7th, Volga's pitcher walked the first four batters, loading the bases and allowing Potter to score. The next two plays saw Siemonsma, Maack, and Olson touch home plate, bringing the score to 16-8. Garretson continued to dance all over the Volga team, sending three more across the plate.
Out for revenge, Volga tried to make up the difference at the bottom of the seventh, grabbing four more points before Maack struck out the final batter, bringing the final score to 19-13.
Chester and Maack toed the mound for three innings each with Bence Bonte pitching relief. Chester allowed four hits while striking out two, and Maack allowed three hits while striking out three. Bonte had a difficult time, walking three.
Olson, Stoterau, Coburn, Chester, and Ty VanHolland each got hits, while Stoterau, Olson, VanHolland, Siemonsma, Coburn, and Maack successfully stole bases.
The team next took on Canton Blue on Tuesday at home (results not available at press time), and will be at Garretson's Tandberg Field taking on West Central Gold tomorrow (Friday) at 1:00 p.m. and Tea Bolts on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. before heading to Humboldt on Tuesday.
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